Overnight Safari to Saltlick through Tsavo East Park

Planning a safari in Kenya often feels like stepping into a dream — vast landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the promise of unforgettable moments. The Overnight Safari to Salt Lick through Tsavo East Park, offered by Sharcy Tours and Safaris, promises a well-rounded experience that balances comfort, adventure, and value. While we haven’t personally been on this exact journey, the detailed reviews and itinerary give us a solid picture of what travelers can expect.

What immediately catches your eye? First, the unique architecture of Salt Lick Lodge, resembling a medieval fortress with rondavels perched on stilts over waterholes. Second, the chance to see iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, and maybe even the famous Tsavo man-eaters, all from the comfort of a game drive vehicle. Third, the guided expertise that ensures you’re not just along for the ride but truly getting an insider’s look at Kenya’s wilderness. The only thing to consider? The additional costs like park entrance fees (not included in the price), which can add up on the day.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience that combines the thrill of wildlife viewing with the luxury of an inventive lodge setting. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic nature encounters. If you’re eager for a safari that feels both accessible and memorable, this could be your ideal getaway.

Key Points

• Comfortable, imaginative lodge stay with panoramic wildlife views
• All-inclusive package with transportation, meals, and game drives
• Opportunity to see lions, elephants, and other wildlife in Tsavo East and Taita Hills
• Expert guides and drivers ensuring a smooth experience
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
• Cost includes accommodation and meals, but park entrance fees are paid separately

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Experience

How the Itinerary Unfolds

This 2-day safari from Mombasa or Diani sets out early, with pickup at your hotel around 5:30 AM — perfect for catching the early morning light and animals when they’re most active. The journey begins with a scenic drive to Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest, renowned for its red-dusted elephants and legendary lions.

Day One: Tsavo East and Aruba Dam

The first stop at Tsavo East’s Bachuma Gate marks the start of your wildlife adventure. Expect to spot iconic animals like lion, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah, and antelopes. A highlight is visiting Aruba Dam, a popular watering hole where wildlife congregates especially during the dry season. The guide’s insights help enrich the experience, pointing out subtle behaviors and animal tracks that you might miss on your own.

Lunch at Sentrim Lodge provides a chance to relax and review the morning’s sightings, with the lush surroundings adding to the appeal. Post-lunch, another game drive explores more of the park, giving you a broad feel for the landscape and its inhabitants.

Transition to Taita Hills and Salt Lick Lodge

Later, the journey takes you through Taita Hills Game Sanctuary, a different habitat with its own set of wildlife and scenic vistas. Travel along the way offers chances for excellent photographs and sightings of wildlife against the backdrop of rolling hills. Upon arrival at Salt Lick Lodge, a truly standout feature, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views and the chance to settle into your stilted rondavel rooms.

What Makes Salt Lick Lodge Special?

This lodge isn’t your average safari accommodation. Its architecture, with round structures perched over waterholes, combines comfort with a sense of adventure. The open-air bridges and waterhole views ensure you’re never far from wildlife, and many guests, including our reviewer Sascha, mention the spectacular panoramic views as a highlight. The lodge’s design truly amplifies the safari feel, putting wildlife right outside your window.

Day Two: Morning Game Drive and Return

Wake up early for a half-day game drive — the best time to see animals before the heat of midday. Many visitors appreciate the guides’ knowledge and attentiveness, with Sascha praising their informative and accommodating driver, Benjamin.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch at Taita Hills Resort and Spa before beginning your journey back to Mombasa or Diani. The return trip also includes a final game drive, ensuring that you leave with a wealth of wildlife memories.

More Great Tours Nearby

What to Expect from the Transportation & Guides

The tour provides round-trip transportation from your hotel or residence in Mombasa or Diani, using a pop-up roof safari vehicle. This type of vehicle offers excellent visibility for game viewing and photography. A qualified guide/driver accompanies you throughout, offering expert insights and ensuring your safety.

Guests have found the guides to be knowledgeable and friendly, with reviews mentioning the driver’s ability to share extensive information about wildlife behavior and park history. The small group size (often just your booked party) allows for a more personalized experience, which is crucial in wildlife safaris where patience and individual attention matter.

Accommodation Experience

Staying at Salt Lick Lodge is arguably the highlight for many. The imaginative structure—two-story rondavels on stilts—creates a fairy-tale landscape. The lodge’s panoramic views of the sanctuary allow you to gaze across the landscape and spot animals from your balcony. Many guests, including Sascha, mention that the structure creates an unforgettable atmosphere, blending rustic luxury with authentic safari adventure.

While the lodge is built with game viewing in mind, it’s also worth noting that visiting Tsavo East National Park is optional—you can choose to focus solely on the Taita Hills Sanctuary if preferred.

Practical Details and Cost Analysis

The total price of $508 per person includes transportation, meals, accommodation, and game drives. This is quite competitive considering the included activities and the quality of the lodge. It’s worth noting that park entrance fees to Tsavo East (USD 52 per adult, USD 35 per child under 18) are paid separately, so budget accordingly.

Meals are included on both days, providing convenience and allowing you to focus on wildlife rather than logistics. Bottled water and assistance from guides are also part of the package, ensuring comfort throughout.

The cancellation policy offers flexibility—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is handy if plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews

From Sascha’s rave review, we learn that the experience is both informative and personal, with guides willing to accommodate requests and provide deep insights. Sascha describes the safari as “a memory for life,” emphasizing the quality of guidance and spectacular views.

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and the beautiful scenery. The design of the Salt Lick Lodge, with its fantasy-like architecture, adds a layer of excitement and makes the stay memorable.

Who Would Love This Safari?

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience in Kenya without sacrificing comfort. It appeals to those who value guided insights, scenic views, and authentic safari lodges. It’s suitable for people who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and photography.

While children over 5 are recommended, families with older kids could enjoy the entire experience, especially with the flexibility of the itinerary. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the all-inclusive nature and the opportunity to see top wildlife with knowledgeable guides.

Final Thoughts

This safari offers a well-rounded package: stunning views, expert-guided game drives, and a uniquely designed lodge. The price is reasonable, especially considering the quality of accommodation and included activities. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic Kenyan safari that balances adventure with comfort.

The highlights—seeing big cats, elephants, and other wildlife from a beautifully crafted lodge—make this trip memorable. The guides’ friendly and informative approach adds value that often isn’t found in more commercialized safaris.

If you’re after a safari that combines luxury, wildlife, and meaningful guidance, this is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to maximize their wildlife sightings while enjoying a uniquely designed, panoramic lodge experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel or residence in Mombasa or Diani is included, using a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are provided as per the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Salt Lick Lodge and other locations during the trip.

Do I need to pay for park entrance fees separately?
Yes, the tour price does not include the park entrance fee to Tsavo East National Park, which is USD 52 per adult and USD 35 per child under 18.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay at Salt Lick Lodge, known for its imaginative rondavels on stilts over waterholes, offering panoramic views of wildlife and landscape.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 5 years old are generally suitable, but younger children may find long game drives tiring. Always check with the provider if unsure.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled date for a full refund, making this a flexible option for plans that might change.

This safari provides a wonderful balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, the mix of scenic views, guided expertise, and memorable lodge stays makes it a worthy addition to your Kenyan itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: